Closing Announcment.
To our community, members, and partners,
It is with heavy hearts that we share this update. Despite the tireless work of staff, our Board, and our community partners, Bikes Without Borders has encountered several challenges. As a result, we’ve had to make the difficult decision to close our doors after 18 years of operation.
We have recently lost our donated operating location. It was a significant blow. We have not been able to recover financially enough from the effects of covid and recent economic strain, to source an affordable new location or weather an expensive move. We’ve come to this decision with heavy hearts but clear eyes, knowing we did not arrive here without trying everything we could. Many factors have brought us to this point, namely, the operational challenges many charities face and difficult funding gaps.
We are incredibly grateful for the way the community, especially our corporate partner Amsterdam Brewery, has shown up for us over the years. We know that together we made a large difference in the lives of many.
We were able to recycle thousands of donated bicycles and parts to people all over the world. We are very proud of the difference we have made.
To our funders, partners, volunteers, staff and recipients: thank you.
With the greatest respect and love,
Tanya Smith, Executive Director.
We believe bicycles can change the world
At Bikes Without Borders we use bikes and bike-related solutions to empower individuals in marginalized communities through mobility. We believe in the humble bicycle as a means to increase access to vital community services and networks that allow individuals to meet their basic needs and build better lives.
Right now at Bikes Without Borders our focus is on outfitting refugees and low-income families living in underserved Toronto communities with refurbished bicycles through The Great Bike Recycle.
THE 1000 BIKES CAMPAIGN
Our goal in 2024 is to put 1000 refurbished bikes into the hands of Toronto-area newcomers… like Raage from Somalia, who uses his bike to help him get to school so he can get re-certified as an x-Ray technician in Canada.
Donate a bike
Please consider other non-profits and charities such as :
Culturelink https://www.culturelink.ca/bike-hub/
GateWay Bike Hub https://bikematchwcn.com/
Charlies Free Wheels https://www.charliesfreewheels.ca/
Bike Pirates https://bikepirates.com/donate/
Scarborough Cycles https://www.scarboroughcycles.ca/scarborough-cycles/
REQUEST A BIKE
Sorry we are no longer accepting requests.
SUPPORT OUR WORK
Make a one-time gift or give monthly to support local and international projects! Be a part of the change that is happening around the world.
FUNDRAISE IN SUPPORT OF BWB
Want to hold an event, campaign for donations, or create your own personal challenge in support of Bikes Without Borders? We would love to have you join us on our mission! Setup a fundraising page via CanadaHelps and get started! Send us a quick note at info@bikeswithoutborders.org outlining your planned initiative so we can follow along! Whether it's a lemonade stand or a benefit concert your work will make a difference in someone's life.